The current Fusion, which debuted back in 2006, has been Ford's best mid-size car since, well, we can remember. But to keep the model fresh, Ford will unveil the new 2010 model at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. Deep technical details are scarce at this point, but we do know that its powertrains have been updated for efficiency. The biggest news however isn't what's under the hood—it's what's behind that dashboard. — Paul Eisenstein

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The Specs

Look no further than that grill, and you can see Ford's new 2010 Fusion has more than a few changes. Behind those blades, Ford will offer a choice of three engines, a 175 hp 2.5-liter Four Cylinder, a 240 hp 3.0-liter V6 and the top dog, a 263 hp 3.5-liter V6. But the most significant news is that all three will come paired exclusively to a 6-speed automatic for enhanced fuel economy. Ford says certain models can get up to a 10 percent boost in mileage from this transmission. The Fusion will also receive electric power steering and a deceleration fuel shutoff, which shuts off the gas flow when the driver eases off the accelerator. They system will premier on 3.0-liter Fusions but later in the 2010 model year, Ford will offer the system on the 2.5-liter Four Cylinder. The fuel savings? About 1 percent. Hey, every percent counts these days. Want better fuel economy? A hybrid version joins the lineup next spring. Functionally similar to the Escape hybrid, the sedans enjoy numerous improvements that allow greater electric-only range-up to 47 mph-and should achieve nearly 40 mpg. But specs and fuel economy are only part of the story here.

Eco-Tech

Slip behind the wheel the 2010 Fusion Hybrid and you'll spot a conventional, analog speedometer. But that's where similarities to a conventional dash end. Start the Fusion and bright video displays pop up on either side of the speedo. Drivers can set the system, Dubbed Smart Gauge with Eco Drive, to display any of four different levels of information.

At its most basic, the readout will provide fuel level and battery status. Step it up to "Enlighten" mode, and a tachometer appears, along with a visual simulation of the hybrid's operating mode. In "Empower" mode, you'll also see such things as engine and battery power output, as well as a display indicating the amount of power being sucked up by accessories—like the vehicle's air conditioner and headlights.

"The main question hybrid drivers had was, 'How do I know I'm getting the most out of my hybrid?' " said Jeff Greenberg, Ford senior technical leader. "We needed to create a system that better communicates with drivers and gives them the tools to maximize fuel efficiency. That's what SmartGauge with EcoGuide does."

Individual applications, such as the power gauge, were then tested inside Ford's driving simulator—the automotive equivalent of the ones used to test and train pilots.

One of the goals, stressed Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager, was to make SmartGauge "a great coach. We don't scold you. We reward drivers who want to maximize mileage, while not turning off those who don't want to become the ultimate mileage-misers."

Ford is by no means the only automaker playing with reconfigurable displays. But part of the challenge is coming up with the right technology, something that puts a heavy emphasis on cost. Early examples, such as the CRT display in the late-1980s Buick Riviera, where expensive and offered limited flexibility. Newer systems use LCD technology, which is plunging in cost.

LED displays are also commonplace, thought they are typically quite limited in the amount of information they can provide. But manufacturers have gotten quite creative with whatever technology they have at hand.

Reality Check

Are manufacturers answering a question no one has asked? Quite the contrary, according to a new study by CNW Marketing. "The youth market is looking for this," says CNW Director Art Spinella, but in something of a surprise, the study found that reconfigurable displays are also quite popular with aging Baby Boomers. "Reconfiguring the way the dashboard looks is considered value-added," adds Spinella. "They'd even like it to be open source, much like the Firefox browser, so they can customize color, content, all sorts of things like that."

Whether the IP will ever become as personalized as the computer screen's "desktop" remains to be seen. There are issues of safety and security to consider, as well as cost. But given the potential to gain a competitive edge, it's likely that Ford's SmartGauge is just an early, if significant step towards reconfiguring the look of the automotive dashboard.